Puerto Rican powerhorse Carlos Beltran will be joining three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez as they strive to give the New York Mets a chance at a championship in the 2005 Major League Baseball season. Beltran passed his physical yesterday, and the Mets were scheduled to announce the US$119 million deal today. News reports explain that what clinched the deal was that the Mets accepted to include a no-trade clause in the contract. Beltran had sought stability at this time in his career.
Beltran hit .267 with 38 homes, 104 RBIs and 42 stolen bases with the Royals and Astros last season. He is best recognized though for his playoff effort, when he hit .435 with eight homers, 14 RBIs and six stolen bases in 12 playoff games, leading the Houston Astros to be come within one game of the World Series.